Shipi Lane

Average temperature: 0–14°C. Be sure to wear a down jacket in February. Cherry blossoms may bloom in Xitang at the end of March! 🍃Xitang 2-Day Tour Guide｜Enjoy a Slow Life in the Water Town of Jiangnan🍃A healing travel destination for friends, couples, and solo travelers! The covered corridors, flagstone roads, and sculling boats in Xitang are all photogenic! Detailed routes, food, and accommodation recommendations are included. Save this guide for your trip! 📅 Itinerary: 2 days and 1 night Day 1: Stroll around the water town and feel the life of the ancient town 1⃣ Morning: Morning tour of the covered corridor 7:00–9:00 Get up early to avoid the crowds! Xitang is shrouded in mist in the morning. The light and shadow under the covered corridor are beautiful. Take a walk along the river and take photos! Yongning Bridge is a must-see (the best viewing point in Xitang, the covered corridor on the north bank is like a dragon, and the photos are like ink paintings). 9:30–11:30 Explore the ancient alleys: From Shipi Lane (the narrowest lane) → Zongfutang (a house from the Ming and Qing Dynasties) → Songzi Laifeng Bridge (a double bridge with auspicious meaning), feel the water town's features of "many bridges, lanes, and covered corridors". 2⃣ Noon: Taste the food in Xitang Must-eat food: Steamed pork with rice flour (pork belly is tender and tasty, with the fragrance of lotus leaves) Guan Laotai Stinky Tofu (crispy outside and tender inside, the sauce is the soul) Gorgon cake (glutinous and sweet, the best gift) Recommended restaurants: Qiantang Renjia (by the river, enjoy the view while eating) or Old Street Snack Bar (authentic and affordable). 3⃣ Afternoon: Cultural immersion tour 14:00–16:00 Visit the Button Museum (Xue's House), Xiyuan (Jiangnan Garden), and Zhang Zheng Root Carving Art Museum to learn about the crafts and history of Xitang. 16:30–18:00 Find a riverside teahouse, drink Biluochun tea, and listen to Pingtan, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. 4⃣ Evening: Boat trip and sunset Rent a sculling boat (CNY 80/boat, 12 people can share the cost), watch the sunset on the river, and listen to the boatman tell the legend of the ancient town. Night tours are more recommended! Xitang is like a dream under the lights. 5⃣ Night: Bar street The nightlife in Xitang starts when the lanterns are lit! It is recommended to listen to folk songs in "Dabing's Cabin" or have a drink in a bar to feel the romance and relaxation of the water town. Day 2: Deep experience and unlock niche activities 1⃣ Morning: Experience the life of the ancient town 8:00–10:00 Get up early to visit the morning market, buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and taste soy milk and fried dough sticks with the locals to experience the original life of the water town. 10:30–12:00 DIY: Try painting a fan or making blue calico, and take home a unique travel souvenir (a studio near "Zuiyuan" is recommended). 2⃣ Afternoon: Explore the surroundings and take photos 13:00–15:00 Visit "Five Girls Theme Park" or "Huanxiu Bridge", wear Hanfu or cheongsam, and take photos of Jiangnan (there are many rental shops in the ancient town, about CNY 50/hour). 15:30–17:00 Avoid the main street, go to the niche alleys such as "Lirengang" and "Shaoxianggang", and find hidden cafes and handmade shops. 🏠 Accommodation recommendations: Stay in the scenery Riverside Inn: "Xitang Fusheng Yisu" and "Mingjufang" are recommended. Open the window to see the river and boats, and sleep by the water at night. Cost-effective choice: Boutique homestays outside the scenic area, such as "Xitang Manyue", are quiet and have new facilities.

"Spring and autumn waters, a town from the Tang and Song dynasties, Ming and Qing architecture, modern people" - Xitang, this living thousand-year-old ancient town, is like an ancient poem with every corner flowing with the charm of Jiangnan watertown. If you're yearning for a world of white walls, black tiles, and bridges over flowing water, follow this guide and let's explore Xitang together! 🌉 I. Essential Information 📋 Address: 258 Nanyuan Road, Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province Tickets: Adult ticket 95 yuan, student ticket half price. Free entry before 8 AM or after 5 PM (after 9 PM on holidays), but some smaller attractions still require tickets. Opening Hours: Summer 8:00 - 17:00, Winter 8:00 - 16:30, though you can actually visit all day, and Xitang has its own special charm at night. Climate: Jiashan County is located in the southeastern monsoon area at the southern edge of the north subtropical zone, with a mild climate and four distinct seasons. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 3.6°C; July is the hottest with an average of 28.1°C. The annual average temperature is 15.6°C. Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack appropriate clothing. II. Attraction Routes and Planning 🚶‍♀️ 1. Morning: Enter through the West Main Entrance of Xitang Ancient Town, first arriving at the Water Stage to experience the vitality of the watertown. Then stroll to the Five Girls Theme Park to learn about local legends. Next, head to the Water Theater where you might encounter a wonderful opera performance. Then visit the Hanfu Culture Museum for an immersive experience of traditional Chinese clothing culture. 2. Noon: Enjoy local cuisine near the Huguo Suiliang Wang Temple and take a short rest. 3. Afternoon: Visit Zui Garden to appreciate its exquisite landscape. Stroll along the Rainy Corridor, enjoying the comfort of "no rain on rainy days, no sun on sunny days." Cross the Huanxiu Bridge to the Wang Residence to experience the charm of a prominent Ming Dynasty family home. Then visit West Garden to enjoy the garden scenery. Continue to visit Zhang Zheng Root Carving Art Gallery, Tile End Culture Museum, and Button Museum. 4. Evening: Starting from Anjing Bridge, pass through Lu Family Bridge and Ni Residence to reach the Holy Hall. As night falls, head to the bar street to experience the lively nightlife of the ancient town. Finally, you can have a drink at the Wine Culture Experience Museum to end a wonderful day. Must-Visit Attractions Rainy Corridor: Xitang's most iconic structure, nearly a kilometer long, built along the river. Walking here with the breeze on your face and the sound of flowing water, you can both shelter from sun and rain while enjoying the watertown scenery - every photo you take will be stunning. Stone Skin Alley: The longest and narrowest alley in the ancient town, less than 1 meter at its narrowest point, creating a unique "one-line sky" view. Walking in the alley feels like traveling through time, experiencing the ancient town's simplicity and tranquility. Tangdong Street (Bar Street): When night falls and the lights come on, red lanterns illuminate the ancient alley with a special atmosphere. Here, you can find a bar, listen to folk music, enjoy fine wine, and experience the romantic evening of the ancient town. West Garden: The largest garden in the ancient town, with an ingenious layout and beautiful scenery. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and osmanthus in autumn, with different beautiful scenery in all four seasons. The garden also houses the Nanshe Exhibition Room, showcasing Xitang's history and culture. III. Culinary Delights of Xitang 🍜 Grandma's Chicken Feet: Tender and flavorful, giving you a sense of happiness with every bite, one of Xitang's must-try snacks. Tai Fish Cake: Available in various flavors including milk and chocolate, with crispy skin and sweet filling. Guan Laotai Stinky Tofu: Xitang's signature snack, crispy outside and tender inside, paired with special sauce - smells strong but tastes delicious. Bamboo Tube Ice Cream: Not only delicious but also very photogenic, perfect for taking pictures. Vitality Bean Cake: Multiple flavors to choose from, with a delicate texture and rich bean aroma. Yuxiangqi Handmade Hot and Sour Noodles: Sour and spicy, leaving a lingering taste. Begonia Cake: Rich in ingredients and flavor, sweet cake topped with red dates, melon seeds, and more - every bite is satisfying. Spicy Fried Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with spicy seasoning - so good you can't stop eating. Besides these snacks, Xitang has many specialty restaurants such as Qian Yuman Nostalgic Restaurant, Xitang Zuixiaolou, and Chengshang Caixuan Restaurant where you can taste authentic Jiangzhe cuisine. IV. Accommodation Options 🏠 It's highly recommended to stay inside the scenic area to enjoy Xitang's beautiful night views. If you stay overnight, you can freely explore most areas the next day except for some small attractions, essentially enjoying Xitang for free. Guesthouses near the "Rainy Corridor" are good choices, where you can see the scenery right from your window and fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. Additionally, renovated Ming and Qing dynasty residences offer unique experiences with carved beds and antique furniture. V. Transportation Guide 🚗 High-speed Rail: Take a high-speed train from cities like Shanghai or Hangzhou to Jiashan South Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi directly to Xitang, with the bus journey taking about 30 minutes. Driving: From Shanghai or Hangzhou, take the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway to the Xitang exit, about a 1.5-hour drive. Bus: Take bus K215 from Jiashan Transportation Center directly to Xitang Ancient Town. VI. Important Notes ⚠️ Xitang has multiple entrances, but only the West Main and East Main entrances have parking facilities. There are many stone paths in the ancient town that can be slippery at times, so it's recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. Xitang is like a secluded Jiangnan dream. Here, time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully enjoy this tranquility and beauty. Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip to Xitang! 🥰

Xitang Travel Guide 🌟 Recommended Attractions: 1. 🌧️ Covered Corridors: Take a stroll along the kilometer-long corridor on a rainy day and enjoy the poetic atmosphere. 2. 🧚‍♂️ Shipi Lane: Feel the weight of history in this narrow and long alley. 3. 🌉 Sending-Children-and-Welcoming-Phoenix Bridge: Admire the beautiful ancient bridge, a symbol of good luck. 4. 🌸 Zui Garden: Immerse yourself in the poetic charm of this private garden. 5. 🛶 Shaoxing Hong: Enjoy the tranquility of the river in the heart of the bustling town. Recommended Food: 1. 🍲 Stewed Chicken with Spring Bamboo Shoots: Savor the tender and delicious chicken with a refreshing aroma. 2. 🦐 River Delicacies: Taste the authentic flavors of the fresh catches from the river. 3. 🍮 Mung Bean Cake: Enjoy the soft, sweet, and glutinous cake as an afternoon tea treat. 4. 🥢 Chicken Feet and Bullfrog Casserole: Indulge in the spicy and flavorful dish that will leave you feeling refreshed. Tips: - 🌅 Take a stroll along the Covered Corridors in the early morning or at dusk for a peaceful and beautiful experience. - 🌙 Visit the Sending-Children-and-Welcoming-Phoenix Bridge at night to appreciate its ancient charm and unique ambiance. Ticket Information: - 🎫 Adult tickets are CNY 95. Book in advance for discounts. - 🆓 Free entry on working days before 8:00 am and after 5:00 pm, and on weekends after 8:30 pm. Transportation Guide: - 🚗 Self-drive or hire a car. Parking is available inside the ancient town. - 🚌 Take a bus or taxi from Jiaxing Railway Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. 📣 Come to Xitang and experience the unique charm of a misty Jiangnan town!🌟

Q1: It's my first time visiting Xitang. What is the most convenient way to get there? Take the high-speed train to Jiashan South Station, then take a taxi or bus K222 directly to the ancient town (about 30 minutes). If driving, navigate to "Xitang Third Parking Lot," parking costs about 10 RMB/hour, and it’s a 5-minute walk to the scenic area entrance. Admission is free before 8 AM or after 5 PM, but some small attractions are closed then, so visiting in the afternoon is recommended. Q2: What are the must-visit attractions in Xitang? 🌟 Misty Corridor: A thousand-meter-long riverside corridor, perfect for umbrella photos on rainy days with a strong Jiangnan vibe. The atmosphere is magical when the lanterns light up. 🌟 Shipin Alley: The narrowest part is only 0.8 meters wide, with ancient houses lining the bluestone path on both sides. Wearing Hanfu here makes for stunning “One Line Sky” photos. 🌟 Songzi Laifeng Bridge: Symbolizing “step by step rising,” the evening lights reflect on the water like a star river. The panoramic view from the bridge is breathtaking. Q3: Where is the best value accommodation? ✅ Riverside Inns: Recommended near Xitang Huaxiang, with river views from the window and the sound of oars at night. Beds cost 150-300 RMB. ✅ Homestays outside the scenic area: A 10-minute walk to the entrance, costing 100-200 RMB per person, suitable for budget travelers. ✅ High-end experience: Xitang Liangrang Hotel (1200 RMB+/night) features Republic of China style design and private cuisine, ideal for in-depth travelers. 🌿 Xitang is a “living thousand-year-old water town.” Spend the day wandering alleys and tasting snacks, and at night, when the lanterns light up on the bar street, slow down and feel the lively atmosphere of Jiangnan’s everyday life~

🌅 Dawn and Dusk Secrets Free admission before 7:50 AM to enjoy the misty long corridor alone. The bluestone path glistens coldly as you walk through Shipi Alley in Hanfu holding a lantern. The 0.8-meter narrow alley "One Line Sky" freezes a thousand years of light and shadow. At dusk by Yongning Bridge, the sunset dyes the bridge’s shadow into a golden ring, blending with the oar sounds of black-awning boats to compose an ink painting. 🎡 Immersive Experiences Night tours upgraded! The Xiyuan Night Banquet uses holographic projection to recreate the Lantern Festival market from "Xitang Poetry Manuscript." Light and shadow flow along the corridor pillars like a starry dream; wearing light-colored Hanfu for photos adds an ethereal touch. Every Friday and Saturday night, the live Sakura Riverside Yue Opera "Butterfly Lovers" is performed. While riding a black-awning boat to "follow the show," actors toss custom bookmarks. The Intangible Cultural Heritage Lab lets you make traditional frog buttons and experience sealing yellow wine jars, with engraved wine jars to take home as souvenirs. 🍜 Taste of Jiangnan Qiantang family’s straw-wrapped pork with eight-treasure cake, where lotus leaf fragrance seeps into black pork, offers great value at 45 RMB per person. Lu’s small wontons have skins as thin as cicada wings; a 10 RMB bowl is incredibly fresh—remember to visit before 3 PM. The local-favorite "A Liu Tou" restaurant’s 28 RMB water caltrop stir-fried with shrimp is a perfect dish to go with rice. 🚗 Practical Tips ✅ Take the high-speed train to Jiashan South Station, then bus K222 directly to the scenic area; last bus at 21:40 ✅ Stay in a guesthouse inside the scenic area for ticket discounts. At Fuxi Nanting Hotel, opening the window reveals black-awning boats in water alleys, plus free Hanfu rental for photo shoots ✅ Free admission after 17:00 (small attractions closed), with night light shows and bar folk music atmosphere in full swing ✅ Must bring: mosquito repellent, flat shoes, and a dual-purpose sun/rain umbrella for mosquito and sun protection 💡 Off-Peak Tips Avoid weekend afternoon crowds sketching in the misty corridor; weekdays early morning or 12:00-13:30 are best for photos. On the water bus, choose the right seat to capture the classic framed view of ancient houses through the Wan’an Bridge arch. This "living millennium-old town" certified by National Geographic is an ink painting by day and a lantern world like "Spirited Away" by night. Here, you are not just a tourist but a participant in the water town’s story.

Hey everyone! Just got back from Xitang and can't wait to share! This ancient town surrounded by rivers is truly captivating. After spending three days exploring the stone paths, ancient bridges, and Lantern Street, here's your ready-to-use travel guide! 📝 🌟Itinerary: Classic Routes + Hidden Gems Day 1: Xi Street + Shipi Lane, Immerse in Ancient Town Life Head straight to Xi Street upon arrival! 🌿 Traditional shops line both sides of the stone-paved path. Grab some Gordon Euryale cake while exploring! 🍬 Don't miss "Lu's Wonton" - a must-visit! Their fresh meat wontons are only CNY10 per bowl, with incredibly flavorful soup, and watching the auntie wrap and cook them fresh is heartwarming! 🥟 In the afternoon, visit Shipi Lane - this narrow alley (only 0.8m wide) feels like stepping back in time. Sunlight filtering through the eaves creates perfect photo opportunities! 📸 Watch the sunset from Huanxiu Bridge - the orange twilight reflecting off the boats is breathtaking! 🌅 Night tour is a must! When the riverside lanterns light up, find a riverside bar, order peach blossom wine, listen to folk music while watching the rippling water - perfect vibes! 🌸 Day 2: Rain and Mist Corridor + Wolong Bridge, Experience Water Town Life Sleep in, then stroll along the Rain and Mist Corridor! 🌧️ Red lanterns sway in the breeze under the corridor, and grandmas sell homemade osmanthus candy for CNY5 - so sweet! 🌼 Lunch at a local restaurant near Wolong Bridge - must try the steamed pork with rice powder! 🥩 The pork belly wrapped in rice powder is tender, infused with lotus leaf fragrance - so good you'll want seconds! Visit the China Button Museum in the afternoon - who knew buttons had such fascinating stories! Rent a hanfu costume (CNY80 including styling) in the evening for a traditional photoshoot at Shipi Lane and ancient bridges. Day 3: Explore Surroundings + In-depth Experiences, Beyond Surface Sightseeing On the last day, explore nearby attractions! Take a 15-minute taxi to "Biyun Garden" - perfect for photos among vast flower fields, especially the April tulips! 🌷 Back in town, try indigo dyeing at a craft shop - CNY30 for your own handmade scarf, super rewarding! 🍽️Must-Try Food List: Don't Miss These 8 Dishes! ✔️ Steamed Pork with Rice Powder: CNY15/serving, amazing lotus leaf aroma, meat lovers' paradise! 🥩 ✔️ Jiaxing Yellow Wine: CNY20/pot, rich rice fragrance, perfect with marinated duck! 🍶 ✔️ Guan's Stinky Tofu: CNY10/serving, crispy outside, tender inside, great with sweet chili sauce! 💥 ✔️ Gordon Euryale Cake: CNY12/box, soft and chewy, both osmanthus and original flavors are delicious! 🥧 ✔️ Lotus Leaf Steamed Chicken: CNY68/half, chicken infused with lotus fragrance, even the sticky rice underneath is irresistible! 🐔 ⚠️Warning! Be cautious of restaurants advertising "wild river seafood" in scenic areas - overpriced and potentially not fresh. Local restaurants with queues are more reliable! 🏠Accommodation Guide - Choose by Budget! ✅ Luxury Budget (CNY500+/night): Riverside guesthouses inside the scenic area - wake up to water views and fall asleep to the sound of oars! ✨ ✅ Student/Value Budget (CNY200-300/night): Stay outside the scenic area, 10-minute walk to Xi Street, save money for more food! 👛 Important! Check if entrance tickets are included (some guesthouses offer discounts). Book two weeks ahead for holidays - last-minute bookings are expensive! 📅 ⚠️Practical Tips: Save Money + Take Great Photos! 1. Entrance Fee: CNY100/person (includes 11 attractions), free entry after 8 PM but attractions are closed. Enter in early evening for night views to save money! 🌃 2. What to Wear: Light-colored qipao/hanfu for great photos! Bring comfortable flat shoes - cobblestone streets are tough on heels! 👠 3. Shopping Tips: Buy souvenirs at "Tang East Street" - 20% cheaper than main street, remember to bargain! 🛍️ 4. Best Time: March-May (flower season), September-November (pleasant weather), avoid plum rain season and holidays! 🌞 Three days in Xitang felt like a gentle Jiangnan dream - watching grandmas washing clothes by the river in the morning, listening to storytelling in teahouses in the afternoon, counting stars under corridors at night - every moment made you want to stay longer! 🌌

#ancienttownvibes 📍 Xitang Ancient Town: One of the birthplaces of Wuyue culture, with a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. 🎫 Tickets: 95 RMB per person 🏮Must-Visit Attractions: 🔹Yanyu Long Corridor: Located along Beizha Street and Nanzha Street, the riverside corridor offers shaded benches, shelter from the rain, and was a filming location for "Mission Impossible." 🔹Songzi Laifeng Bridge: A uniquely designed bridge, one of the town's iconic landmarks. 🔹Shipi Lane: At the end of West Street, this narrow 68-meter-long lane is paved with 216 three-centimeter-thick stone slabs, known as "a line of sky." 💡Travel Tips: 🔸Check Weather: Always check the forecast before your trip and bring appropriate clothing and an umbrella. 🔸Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the ancient alleys and stone paths. 🔸Early Access: Take advantage of the free entry times to explore the town without the crowds. Enjoy your enchanting journey through Xitang Ancient Town! 🏯🌿😊 #travel #china

Complete Jiaxing Travel Guide 🚀 🌟Must-Visit Attractions - South Lake Scenic Area 🚢: Birthplace of the Red Boat! Climb Yanyu Tower for panoramic lake views, and enjoy spectacular light shows at night ✨ - Wuzhen 🌉: West Zone night views are unparalleled! Take a pole boat through water alleys, and visit the blue calico workshop for authentic charm - Xitang Ancient Town 🏮: Stroll along the rain and mist corridors, check out Shipi Lane, and enjoy the therapeutic lantern reflections in the evening - Yuehe Historical District 🏘️: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a Jiangnan water town! The ancient streets are filled with delicious food and thousand-year-old cultural relics 🍜Local Specialties - Jiaxing Zongzi 🥟: Soft and fragrant sticky rice dumplings with egg yolk and meat, must try the Wufangzhai brand - Zao Dan 🥚: Eggs preserved in wine dregs with a rich aroma and unique jelly-like egg white texture - Wenhu Marinated Duck 🦆: Savory and flavorful with firm meat, perfect for snacking while watching TV or with alcohol - Dingsheng Cake 🍰: Soft sweet bean paste filling with auspicious patterns imprinted on the cake - South Lake Water Caltrop 🌰: Hornless water caltrops with thin skin and tender flesh, delicious when boiled 🚗Transportation Guide - External: Direct high-speed train to Jiaxing South Station 🚄; convenient access via Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway if driving - Internal: Public buses cover scenic spots 🚌; special tourist lines available to Wuzhen and Xitang 🏨Accommodation Recommendations - City Center: Near South Lake, convenient for travel - Wuzhen/Xitang: Waterfront guesthouses 🛖, with water town views right outside your window - Yuehe District: Traditional-style inns for a slow-paced lifestyle experience 🗺Route Planning - One-day tour: South Lake → Yuehe Historical District (See the Red Boat during the day, explore ancient streets at night) - Two-day tour: Day 1 Wuzhen; Day 2 Xitang (Experience different ancient town styles) - Three-day tour: Day 1 South Lake + Yuehe; Day 2 Wuzhen; Day 3 Xitang + Meihua Island Scenic Area 🌸

#favouriteitinerary Located at the end of West Street, Shipi Lane stretches for 68 meters and is paved with 216 three-centimeter-thick stone slabs. It is famously known as the "One Line Sky." Personal Opinion: In my opinion, Shipi Lane's narrow and unique design makes it an intriguing and memorable part of Xitang. Its distinctive structure offers a fascinating glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of the ancient town.